Information processing device, information processing method and computer program

ABSTRACT

[Problem] In the past, a prescribed action could not be executed through an enjoyable operation. [Solution] The information processing device according to one embodiment comprises an output unit for outputting one or more blank areas corresponding to one or more items of blank area information, and one or more objects; a receiving unit for receiving a move command with respect to the object; a mover unit for moving the object in response to a move command received by the receiving unit; and an execution unit for, in cases where the position of an object moved by the mover unit exists in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the blank area, executing an action that corresponds to the blank area or moved object.

FIELD

The present invention relates inter alia to an information processingdevice that performs a predetermined action in cases where one or moreobjects have been moved to a prescribed blank area on a screen.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, in various types of applications that are installed onPCs, smartphones, and the like, the user executes an action with afinger, or an input device such as a mouse, to press a button in theapplication.

A technique for providing a user-friendly GUI is disclosed in JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 10-260782 (hereinafter“Patent Reference 1”). The entire contents of Patent Reference 1 arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

PRIOR ART REFERENCES Patent References

Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open PublicationNo. 10-260782 (page 1, FIG. 1, etc.)

SUMMARY

However, the prior art operation method is unsophisticated, and cannotbe considered as a particularly enjoyable method of operation.

The information processing device according to a first aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device comprising: ablank area storage unit able to store one or more items of blank areainformation having blank area position information that relates to theposition of a blank area; an object storage unit able to store one ormore objects; an output unit for outputting one or more blank areascorresponding to one or more items of blank area information, and one ormore objects; a receiving unit for receiving a move command with respectto an object; a mover unit for moving the object that corresponds to themove command, in response to a move command received by the receivingunit; a decision unit that decides whether the position of an objectmoved by the mover unit exists in a predetermined positionalrelationship with respect to a blank area; and an execution unit for, incases where the decision unit decides that the predetermined positionalrelationship exists, executing an action that corresponds to the blankarea or moved object.

By means of the first aspect according to the invention, a prescribedaction can be executed through an enjoyable operation.

The information processing device according to a second aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to thefirst aspect, further comprising an action information storage unit ableto store one or more sets of action information providing informationthat relates to an action corresponding to a blank area, to an object,or to a blank area and an object; and in cases where the decision unitdecides that the predetermined positional relationship exists, theexecution unit acquires from the action information storage unit actioninformation that corresponds to the blank area, to the moved object, orto the blank area and the moved object, and executes an action thatcorresponds to the blank area, to the moved object, or to the blank areaand the moved object using the action information.

By means of the second aspect according to the invention, a prescribedaction can be executed through an enjoyable operation.

The information processing device according to a third aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to thefirst or second aspect, further comprising a route information storageunit able to store route information indicating a route over which anobject is to be moved; the decision unit additionally decides whether amovement route of an object moved by the mover unit satisfies a routeindicated by the route information; and in cases where the decision unitdecides that a route indicated by the route information is satisfied,and that a predetermined positional relationship exists, the executionunit executes an action that corresponds to the blank area or to themoved object.

By means of the third aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed through a more enjoyable operation.

The information processing device according to a fourth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to thethird aspect, wherein the output unit outputs a route in such a way thata route indicated by route information is visually recognizable.

By means of the fourth aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed through a more enjoyable operation.

The information processing device according to a fifth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to anyof the first to fourth aspects, further equipped with a partial imagestorage unit able to store partial images which are images having one ormore blank areas therein; the shape of one or more objects matching theshape of any one or more blank areas; and a single full image beingconstituted by the one or more objects arranged in any one or more blankareas, and a partial image.

By means of the fifth aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed through an enjoyable operation.

The information processing device according to a sixth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to thefifth aspect, wherein the single full image is an advertisement.

By means of the sixth aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed by viewing an advertisement to completion.

The information processing device according to a seventh aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to anyof the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a full image storageunit able to store a single full image; and a puzzle generation unitthat cuts out a part of a full image, and acquires puzzle informationthat includes one or more objects that are cut-out sections, a partialimage from which one or more objects have been cut out, and blank areainformation containing information about a blank area that is a cut-outarea.

By means of the seventh aspect of the invention, a puzzle that affordsan enjoyable operation can be generated automatically.

The information processing device according to an eighth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to anyof the second to seventh aspects, further comprising: a puzzle receivingunit for receiving puzzle information from a puzzle generation server,the server being equipped with a full image storage unit able to storesingle full images, a puzzle generation unit that cuts out a part of afull image, and acquires puzzle information that includes one or moreobjects that are cut-out sections, a partial image from which one ormore of the objects has been cut out, and blank area information whichprovides information about a blank area that is a cut-out area, and apuzzle transmission unit for transmitting puzzle information acquired bythe puzzle generation unit; and a puzzle collection unit for collectingin an object storage unit one or more objects that are included in thepuzzle information received by the puzzle receiving unit, collecting ina partial image storage unit partial images that are included in thepuzzle information received by the puzzle receiving unit, and collectingin a blank area storage unit blank area information that is included inthe puzzle information received by the puzzle receiving unit.

By means of the eighth aspect of the invention, a puzzle that affords anenjoyable operation can be generated automatically, and the load on theinformation processing device can be reduced.

The information processing device according to a ninth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to anyof the first to eighth aspects, wherein there are two or more blankareas re; a single object is arrangeable in two or more blank areas; andthe execution unit executes a different action depending on which theblank area the single object is arranged in.

By means of the ninth aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed with a high degree of freedom, through a more enjoyableoperation.

The information processing device according to a tenth aspect of thepresent invention is an information processing device according to anyof the first to ninth aspects, wherein two or more objects arearrangeable in a single blank area; and the execution unit executes adifferent action depending on which object is arranged in a single blankarea.

By means of the tenth aspect of the invention, a prescribed action canbe executed with a high degree of freedom, through a more enjoyableoperation.

The information processing device according to one aspect of the presentinvention comprises: an output unit for outputting one or more blankareas corresponding to one or more items of blank area information, andone or more objects; a receiving unit for receiving a move command withrespect to the object; a mover unit for moving the object in response toa move command received by the receiving unit; and an execution unitfor, in cases where the position of an object moved by the mover unitexists in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to theblank area, executing an action that corresponds to the blank area orthe moved object.

The information processing method according to one aspect of the presentinvention includes a step for outputting one or more blank areascorresponding to one or more items of blank area information, and one ormore objects; a step for receiving a move command with respect to theobject; a step for moving the object in response to the received movecommand; and a step for executing an action corresponding to the blankarea or the moved object, in cases where the position of the movedobject exists in a predetermined positional relationship with respect tothe blank area.

The computer program according to one aspect of the present inventionprompts a computer to function as an output unit for outputting one ormore blank areas corresponding to one or more items of blank areainformation, and one or more objects; a receiving unit for receiving amove command with respect to the object; a mover unit for moving theobject in response to a move command received by the receiving unit; andan execution unit for, in cases where the position of an object moved bythe mover unit exists in a predetermined positional relationship withrespect to the blank area, executing an action that corresponds to theblank area or the moved object.

According to the various embodiments of the present invention,prescribed actions can be executed through enjoyable operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first block diagram of an information processing device 1 ina first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing actions of the information processingdevice 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart describing the decision process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing the decision process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a full image.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a puzzle generation source informationmanagement table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing partial images.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an action information management table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an action information management table.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an action information management table.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen example.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of an information system in a secondembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the information system.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a computer system in the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of an information processing device and the like will bedescribed below with reference to the drawings. Constituent elementsassigned like symbols in the embodiments perform like actions, andtherefore in some instances the description may be omitted whereredundant.

First Embodiment

The present embodiment describes an information processing device thatperforms a predetermined action, in cases where one or more objects havebeen moved to a prescribed vacant area (hereinafter termed a “blankarea”) on a screen.

The present embodiment moreover describes an information processingdevice in which, using route information that relates to a route onwhich an object is moved, a predetermined action is carried out on thecondition that the object is moved along the route indicated by theroute information in question.

The present embodiment moreover describes an information processingdevice that constructs an entire single screen (hereinafter called a“full image”) in cases where an object is moved to a blank area.

The present embodiment additionally describes a process for generating apartial image and one or more objects from a full image.

The present embodiment additionally describes an information processingdevice in which there are two or more blank areas, and actions differdepending on the blank area in which an object is arranged.

The present embodiment additionally describes an information processingdevice in which the action differs depending on the object arranged in asingle given blank area.

FIG. 1 is a first block diagram of an information processing device 1 inthe present embodiment. The information processing device 1 ispreferably an information terminal having a touch panel, such as tabletterminal, smartphone, or the like, but may also be an informationterminal such as a PC, mobile telephone, or the like.

The information processing device 1 is provided with a full imagestorage unit 10, a partial image storage unit 11, a blank area storageunit 12, an object storage unit 13, an action information storage unit14, a route information storage unit 15, a receiving unit 16, an outputunit 17, a mover unit 18, a decision unit 19, an execution unit 20, anda puzzle generation unit 21.

The full image storage unit 10 is able to store single full images. Afull image is preferably a screen having some sort of recognizablemeaning to the user, such as an advertisement; however, the particularcontent of the full image is irrelevant.

The partial image storage unit 11 is able to store partial images, i.e.,images that contain one or more blank areas. A partial image refers toan image resulting from exclusion of one or more blank areas from a fullimage. A blank area is an area in which an object may be arranged.Usually, a blank area is an area that is discontinuous, as a design,with respect to the background image, which is an image of the areaother than the blank area. The blank area could be, for example, one ofa solid single color. However, blank areas may represent patterns or thelike. A blank area may be an area bounded by broken lines, solid lines,or the like, or a transparent area. In this case, the blank area will bean area that makes up part of a background image, and as a design may beconsidered as being continuous with the background image.

The blank area storage means 12 is able to store one or more items ofblank area information. Blank area information contains blank areaposition information, which is information that relates to the positionof a blank area within a partial image. Blank area informationpreferably contains an empty area identifier that identifies the blankarea. Blank area position information is information that designates ablank area, and normally includes one or more items of coordinateinformation. Blank area position information may be, for example,information indicating the contours of the blank area; is shall beapparent that the data structure thereof is of no consequence. Blankarea information included in blank area information may be modifieddynamically by a blank area modification unit, not shown, or by theexecution unit 20. Modification of blank area information usually refersto modification of the blank area position information, but modificationof information about the shape of the blank area or the like is alsoacceptable. Modification of blank area information is carried out, forexample, when a predetermined condition has been met. The predeterminedcondition may refer to execution of some action by the execution unit20, to execution of a specific action by the execution unit 20, toexecution of some action by the execution unit 20 for a number of timesequal to or greater than a threshold value, or to execution of aspecific action by the execution unit 20 for a number of times equal toor greater than a threshold value. The trigger or condition formodification of blank area information is of no consequence.

The object storage unit 13 is able to store one or more objects. Anobject refers to moveable information, for example, to an image. Anobject is usually a partial image that makes up part of a full image.That is, usually, a partial image and one or more objects make up apuzzle. The objects are usually the pieces of a puzzle.

The action information storage unit 14 is able to store one or more setsof action information. Action information refers to information thatrelates to an action, and usually contains executable information.Executable information refers to information necessary for execution ofan action, for example, an action identifier that identifies an action(e.g., a function name, method name, message name, or the like), or anexecution module, function, method, or other program, or the like.Action information may contain, for example, a blank area identifierthat identifies a blank area, and executable information. Or, actioninformation may contain, for example, an object identifier thatidentifies an object, and executable information. Alternatively, actioninformation may contain, for example, a blank area identifier, an objectidentifier, and executable information. That is, executable informationis information that corresponds to a blank area or an object, or to ablank area and an object.

The route information storage unit 15 is able to store one or more itemsof route information. Route information refers to information thatindicates a route over which an object is to move. Route information isa set of position information, for example. Position information refersto coordinate information (x, y) on a window or partial screen. Routeinformation may contain, for example, an object identifier identifyingan object that is to move over the route indicated by the routeinformation.

The receiving unit 16 receives commands, information, and the like froma user. “Command” refers here, for example, to a move command withregard to an object. A move command is a command to move the object, andis inputted, for example, on the basis of a touch input to touch panel,dragging of a mouse or the like, or a signal from an acceleration sensoror the like. A move command may also be a command using a keyboard orthe like, or a command to move an object. A move command usuallycontains an object identifier that identifies an object targeted to bemoved. A command could also be a puzzle output command, for example. Apuzzle output command is a command to output a partial image from thepartial image storage unit 11 and one or more objects from the objectstorage unit 13. A command could also generate a puzzle command, forexample. A generate puzzle command refers to a process for generatingpuzzle information, discussed below, from a full image. Movement of anobject by the receiving unit 16 on the basis of a signal from anacceleration sensor refers, for example, to a situation in which, whenthe information processing device 1 is tilted by the user, the objectmoves in the direction of tilt (the direction of the lowered side of theinformation processing device 1).

“Reception” refers here to reception of information input from an inputdevice such as a mouse, touch panel, keyboard, or the like, and theconcept includes reception of information transmitted via a wired orwireless communication line, or reception of information read out froman optical disk or magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or other suchrecording medium.

Acceptable input means for commands, information, and the like may beany of those relying on a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, menu screen, orthe like. The receiving means 16 may be realized through a device driverof a keyboard or other input means, or through menu screen controlsoftware or the like.

The output unit 17 outputs one or more blank areas corresponding to oneor more items of blank area information, and one or more objects. Theoutput unit 17 may also be thought of as outputting a partial image andone or more objects. The output unit 17 preferably outputs a routewithin a partial image, in such a way that the route indicated by theroute information is visually recognizable. An image that has a routemay be thought of as being a partial image. Usually, the output unit 17outputs an object to be moved when the mover unit 18 is moving theobject. Here, output of a blank area refers to output in a form suchthat the contours of the blank area can be discerned. Output of a blankarea may refer to output of the contours of the blank area, or to outputof a background that surrounds the blank area. The route output by theoutput unit 17 is indicated, for example, by broken lines, solid lines,or the like within a partial image. Further, in cases where thereceiving unit 16 has received a puzzle output command, the output unit17 will preferably output a partial image from the partial image storageunit 11 and one or more objects from the object storage unit 13.

“Output” refers here to display on a display, projection by a projector,transmission to an external device (a display device or the like), orhandover of the process result to another processing device, anotherprogram, or the like.

In response to a move command received by the receiving unit 16, themover unit 18 moves the object that corresponds to the move command. Theobject that corresponds to the move command is, for example, an objectdragged by a finger or by a mouse. Additionally, in response to a movecommand received by the receiving unit 16, the mover unit 18 may, forexample, continuously acquire position information during motion of theobject, and transfer the position information to the output unit 17. Theoutput unit 17 then uses the transferred information to output motion ofthe object.

The decision unit 19 decides whether the position of an object that hasbeen moved by the mover unit 18 is in a predetermined positionalrelationship with respect to a blank area. More specifically, thedecision unit 19 decides whether an object moved by the mover unit 18has been arranged in a blank area. In this instance, “arrangement” doesnot refer to a state in which the object has been arranged in the blankarea such that not even a single dot deviates; rather, it is preferablefor the decision unit 19, when deciding whether an object has beenarranged in a blank area, to allow for a predetermined range ofmisalignment. The position of an object that was moved by the mover unit18 appropriately refers to the position of the object in question at thepoint in time that motion was decided to have finished; however, theposition of the object during motion is also acceptable. The state inwhich the object an object is deemed to be arranged in a blank area mayalso refer to a state in which the object is arranged in the blank area,and remained in a stationary state therein for a duration longer than athreshold value. The process by which the position of an object isdecided to be within a predetermined positional relationship withrespect to a blank area may be appropriately called an “arrangementdecision process.”

The decision unit 19 preferably performs a route decision process aswell. A route decision process refers to a process for deciding whethera route of movement of an object moved by the mover unit 18 satisfies aroute indicated by route information. In this case, the decision unit 19will usually decide whether the movement route of an object moved by themover unit 18 represents movement along a route indicated by routeinformation, and additionally whether the position of the object existsin a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the blankarea. It is preferable for the decision unit 19 to decide that themovement route of an object satisfies a route indicated by routeinformation, even in cases where misalignment not exceeding a thresholdvalue has occurred with respect to the route indicated by the routeinformation.

In cases where the decision unit 19 has decided that [an object] is in apredetermined positional relationship, the execution unit 20 executes anaction that corresponds to the blank area to which the object was moved,or to the moved object.

For example, in specific terms, in cases of a decision by the decisionunit 19 that a predetermined positional relationship exists, theexecution unit 20 acquires from the action information storage unit 14action information that corresponds to a blank area or a moved object,or to a blank area and a moved object, and using the action information,executes an action that corresponds to the blank area or the movedobject, or to the blank area and the moved object.

In cases of a decision by the decision unit 19 that a route indicated byroute information is satisfied, and that a predetermined positionalrelationship exists, it is also acceptable for the execution unit 20 toexecute an action that corresponds to the blank area or moved object.

The execution unit 20 will preferably execute different actions, when agiven single object is arranged in different blank areas. In thisinstance, executable information is usually managed in association withblank areas, in the action operation storage unit 14. However,executable information may be managed in relation to sets of objects andblank areas. Here, a given single object refers to one which it ispossible to arrange in two or more blank areas.

Further, the execution unit 20 will preferably execute differentactions, when different objects are arranged within a given single blankarea. In this instance, executable information is usually managed inassociation with objects, in the action operation storage unit 14.However, executable information may be managed in relation to sets ofobjects and blank areas. Here, it is assumed that it is possible toarrange two or more objects in a given single blank area.

Herein, an action may refer to acquisition of a Web page, execution of afunction such as an information search, execution of a particularapplication, and the like.

The puzzle generation unit 21 acquires puzzle information. Puzzleinformation contains one or more objects, a partial image, and blankarea information. The puzzle generation unit 21 reads out a full imagefrom the full image storage unit 10, cuts out a portion of the fullimage in question, and acquires puzzle information that contains one ormore objects which are cut-out sections, a partial image from which oneor more objects has been cut out, and blank area information composed ofinformation about a blank area which is an area where an object has beencut out. Here, the puzzle generation unit 21 may cut out graphics ofpredetermined shape, cut out graphics of shapes selected at random fromamong a plurality of shapes, or the like. That is, the specific methodof acquiring graphics is of no particular concern. Herein, a graphicrefers to an object. In cases where the receiving unit 16 has received agenerate puzzle command, the puzzle generation unit 21 will preferablyacquire puzzle information from a full image. Further, the puzzlegeneration unit 21 will preferably store puzzle generation sourceinformation, for example. Puzzle generation source information isinformation that is associated, for example, with a full image, andcontains executable information corresponding to the number in whichobjects are to be generated, or to an object or blank area. The puzzlegeneration source information may also contain, for example, a fullimage identifier that identifies a full image, and executableinformation corresponding to the number in which objects which are to begenerated, or to an object or blank area. Usually, puzzle generationinformation will contain only executable information only for the numberin which objects are to be generated. Puzzle generation information willpreferably also contain information about areas where objects are to becut out.

The full image storage unit 10, the partial image storage unit 11, theblank area storage unit 12, the object storage unit 13, the actioninformation storage unit 14, and the route information storage unit 15are preferably non-volatile storage media, but realization throughvolatile storage media is possible as well.

The specific procedure by which full images and the like are stored inthe full image storage unit 10 and the like is of no particular concern.For example, full images and the like may be stored in the full imagestorage unit 10 through the agency of storage media, or full images andthe like may be transmitted via a transmission line or the like may bestored in the full image storage unit 10; alternatively full images andthe like may be input through the agency an input device may be storedin the full image storage unit 10.

The output unit 17 may be thought of as either including a display orother such output device, or not. The output unit 17 may be realizedthrough driver software for an output device, through an output deviceand driver software for an output device, or the like.

The mover unit 18, the decision unit 19, the execution unit 20, andpulse generation unit 21 are usually realized through an MPU, memory, orthe like. The processing routine of the mover unit 18 is usuallyrealized through software, the software being stored in a ROM or otherstorage medium. However, realization through hardware (dedicatedcircuitry) is also acceptable.

Next, the action of the information processing device 1 will bedescribed, using the flowchart of FIG. 2.

(Step S201) The receiving unit 16 decides whether a puzzle outputcommand has been received. In the event that a puzzle output command hasbeen received, the routine advances to Step S202, and in the event thata puzzle output command has not been received, advances to Step S204.The puzzle output command may contain information specifying a partialimage or the like.

(Step 202) The output unit 17 reads out a partial image from the partialimage storage unit 11. The output unit 17 also reads out one or moreobjects from the object storage unit 13. Here, in the event that thepuzzle output command contains information specifying a partial image orthe like, the output unit 17 reads out the partial image thatcorresponds to the specifying information in question, and one or moreobjects.

(Step S203) The output unit outputs the partial image that was read outin Step 202. The routine returns to Step S201.

(Step S204) The receiving unit 16 decides whether a move command hasbeen received. In the event that a move command has been received, theroutine advances to Step S205, and in the event that a move command hasnot been received, advances to Step S211.

(Step S205) In response to the move command received by the receivingunit 16, the mover unit 18 acquires the position information of theobject targeted to be moved, and temporarily collects the information ina buffer, not shown. Position information is information indicating theposition of the object, and may be composed of a single item ofcoordinate information, or two or more items of coordinate information.Temporary compiling in this instance is cumulative. That is, informationindicating the trajectory of movement of the object targeted to be movedis stored in the buffer. Preferably, an object identifier of the objecttargeted to be moved and information indicating the trajectory ofmovement thereof are collected in associated form in the buffer.

(Step S206) The mover part 18 decides whether movement of the object isfinished. In the event that moving of the object is finished, theroutine advances to Step S207, and in the event that moving has notfinished, returns to Step S205. The mover part 18 decides that moving ofthe object has finished in cases where, for example, it detects thatdragging of the object has finished, or that the object has remained inthe same position for a duration exceeding a threshold value.

(Step S207) The decision unit 19 decides whether the position of theobject that was moved by the mover unit 18 is in a predeterminedpositional relationship with respect to a blank area. This process istermed a “decision process.” The decision process will be describedusing the flowchart in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(Step S208) The execution unit 20 decides whether the result of thedecision process of Step S207 is a result that meets a condition. Incases where the result is one that meets the condition, the routineadvances to Step 209, or in cases where the result does not meet thecondition, returns to Step S201.

(Step S209) The execution unit 20 acquires the object identifier of theobject targeted to be moved, or the blank area identified of the blankarea in which the object is arranged, or both the object identifier andthe blank area identifier. From the action information storage unit 14,the execution unit 20 then acquires executable information correspondingto the acquired object identifier or to the blank area identifier, or tothe object identifier and the blank area identifier.

(Step S210) Using the executable information obtained in Step S209, theexecution unit 20 executes the action that corresponds to the executableinformation. The routine returns to Step S201.

(Step 211) The receiving unit 16 decides whether a generate puzzlecommand has been received. In the event that a generate puzzle commandhas been received, the routine advances to Step S212, and in the eventthat a generate puzzle command has not been received, returns to StepS201.

(Step S212) The puzzle generation unit 21 reads out a full image fromthe full image storage unit 10.

(Step S213) The puzzle generation unit 21 assigns a “1” to a counter i.

(Step S214) The puzzle generation unit 21 decides whether to generate ani-th object. Using puzzle generation source information for example, thepuzzle generation unit 21 decides whether to generate the i-th object.In the event that an i-th object is to be generated, the routineadvances to Step S215, and in the event that an i-th object is not to begenerated, advances to Step S218.

(Step S215) The puzzle generation unit 21 cuts out the i-th object froma full image or from an object up to and including the (i−1)th object.For example, using information that includes puzzle generation sourceinformation, which information pertains to an area from which the objectis to be cut out, the puzzle generation unit 21 cuts out the i-thobject. The puzzle generation unit 21 will preferably generate an objectidentifier for the i-th object, and temporarily collect the identifier,in the form of pair with the i-th object, in the buffer.

(Step S216) The puzzle generation unit 21 acquires blank areainformation with respect to the i-th object. The puzzle generation unit21 will preferably generate a blank area identifier as i-th blank areainformation, include the blank area identifier in the i-th blank areainformation, and temporarily collect the information in the buffer.

(Step S217) The puzzle generation unit 21 increments the counter by 1.The routine returns to Step S214.

(Step S218) From a full image, the puzzle generation unit 21 acquires apartial image, i.e., an image from which all of the objects have beencut out.

(Step S219) The puzzle generation unit 21 collects the partial imageacquired in Step S218 in the partial image storage unit 11. The puzzlegeneration unit 21 collects into the blank area storage unit 12 the oneor more items of blank area information that were acquired in Step S216.The puzzle generation unit 21 collects into the object storage unit 13the one or more objects that were acquired in Step S215. Further, thepuzzle generation unit 21 collects into the action information storageunit 14 action information that includes the executable informationincluded in the puzzle generation source information. The puzzlegeneration unit 21 preferably uses the executable information, and theblank area identifier and/or the object identifier, to constitute theaction information. The routine returns to Step S201.

In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the process is terminated by turning off thepower, or through a process-terminating interrupt.

Next, the decision process of Step S207 will be described, using theflowchart of FIG. 3. The decision process here is a first decisionprocess. The first decision process represents a case in which thedecision unit 19 carries out an arrangement decision process only.

(Step S301) The decision unit 19 assigns a “1” to a counter i.

(Step S302) The decision unit 19 decides whether an i-th blank areaexists. The decision unit 19 may, for example, decide whether i-th blankarea information exists in the blank area storage unit 12, or use atechnique such as contour extraction of blank areas in the outputpartial image, to decide whether i-th blank area information exists. Inthe event that an i-th blank area exists, the routine advances to StepS303, and in the event that no i-th blank area exists, advances to StepS308.

(Step S303) From the blank area storage unit 12, the decision unit 19acquires blank area position information corresponding to the i-th blankarea.

(Step S304) Using at least the blank area position informationcorresponding to the i-th blank area and the latest position informationacquired in Step S205, the decision unit 19 decides whether the positionof the object targeted to be moved is in a predetermined positionalrelationship with respect to the blank area. In cases where [the objectis] in the predetermined positional relationship, the routine advancesto Step S305, and in cases when [the object is] not in the predeterminedpositional relationship, advances to Step S307.

(Step S305) The decision unit 19 acquires the blank area identifiercorresponding to the i-th blank area, or the object identifier of theobject targeted to be moved, or both the blank area identifiercorresponding to the i-th blank area and the object identifier.

(Step S306) The decision unit 19 assigns information to the effect thatthe condition was met, to a “decision result” variable. The routine thenreturns to a higher level process.

(Step S307) The decision unit 19 increments the counter by 1. Theroutine returns to Step S302.

(Step S308) The decision unit 19 assigns information to the effect thatthe condition was not met, to a “decision result” variable. The routinethen returns to a higher level process.

Next, the decision process of Step S207 will be described, using theflowchart of FIG. 4. The decision process in this instance is a seconddecision process. Description is omitted for steps in the flowchart ofFIG. 4 that are identical to those in the flowchart of FIG. 3. Thesecond decision process represents a case in which the decision unit 19carries out an arrangement decision process and a route decisionprocess.

(Step S401) The decision unit 19 acquires from the route informationstorage unit 15 the route information that corresponds to the blank areaidentifier corresponding to the i-th blank area.

(Step S402) The decision unit 19 acquires a history of the positioninformation that was acquired in Step S205. Position information historyrefers to information that indicates the trajectory of motion of anobject, and usually includes two or more items of position information.

(Step S403) The decision unit 19 assigns a “1” to a counter j.

(Step S404) The decision unit 19 decides whether a j-th item of positioninformation exists in the position information acquired in Step S402. Inthe event that a j-th item of position information exists, the routineadvances to Step S405, and in the event that no j-th item of positioninformation exists, advances to Step S308.

(Step S405) The decision unit 19 decides whether the j-th item ofposition information exists on the route indicated by route information.In the event that [the information] exists on the route, the routineadvances to Step S406, and in the event that [the information] does notexist on the route, advances to Step S409. Preferably, the decision unit19 will decide that the j-th item of position information exists on aroute, in instances in which the information deviates by less than athreshold value from the route indicated by the route information.

(Step S406) The decision unit 19 increments the counter j by 1.

(Step S407) The decision unit 19 decides whether the j-th item ofposition information exists within the position information that wasacquired in Step S402. In the event that the j-th item of positioninformation exists, the routine advances to Step S408, and in the eventthat the j-th item of position information does not exist, the routineadvances to Step S306.

(Step S408) The decision unit 19 decides whether the j-th item ofposition information exists on the route indicated by route information.In cases where [the information] exists on the route, the routinereturns to Step S406, and in cases where [the information] does notexist on the route, advances to Step S308.

(Step S409) The decision unit 19 increments the counter j by 1, andreturns to Step S404.

In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the decision unit 19 carries out the routedecision process through an algorithm for Steps S401 to S409. The routedecision process in this instance is an algorithm in which the conditionis decided to have been met, in cases where an object, having previouslybeen in a state of divergence from the route, has once moved onto theroute, and the object has continued on the route and moved untilreaching a blank area.

However, the route decision process may be [accomplished] by some otheralgorithm instead. For example, it would be acceptable for the decisionunit 19 to decide that the condition has been met, only in cases where[an object] has passed through all of the route indicated by the routeinformation.

In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the route decision process takes place afterthe arrangement decision process. However, it would be acceptable forthe route decision process to take place first.

A specific action of the information processing device 1 of the presentembodiment will be described below. In this instance, the informationprocessing device 1 is a smartphone, and has a touch panel.

Specific Example 1

Specific Example 1 describes a process by which the puzzle generationunit 21 generates puzzle information, using stored puzzle generationsource information.

Let it be assumed that the full image shown in FIG. 5 is currentlystored in the full image storage unit 10. The full image is an image ofan advertisement for a restaurant XXX.

Moreover, let it be assumed that the puzzle generation source managementtable shown in FIG. 6 is currently stored in the puzzle generation unit21. The puzzle generation source management table contains [theinformation] “ID,” “Shape,” “Size,” “Position,” and “Executableinformation.” “ID” is information identifying a record. “Shape”indicates the shape of a cut-out object, “Size” indicates the size of acut-out object, “Position” indicates a cutout position (in this case,the upper left coordinates of the object), and “Executable information”is information relating to an action to be executed when an object isarranged in a blank area, in this instance, the name of an executionmodule. The execution modules “ABC.exe” and “XYZ.exe” are stored in theaction information storage unit 14.

Assume that, under these circumstances, a user has input a generatepuzzle command to the information processing device 1. Thereupon, thereceiving unit 16 receives the generate puzzle command.

Next, the puzzle generation unit 21 reads out the full image of FIG. 5from the full image storage unit 10. Next, the puzzle generation unit 21acquires the two items of puzzle generation source information in FIG.6.

Then, using the “ID=1” puzzle generation source information in FIG. 6,the puzzle generation unit 21 cuts out a rectangular shape of a size(L1, H1) at a position (x1, y1). Likewise, using the “ID=2” puzzlegeneration source information in FIG. 6, the puzzle generation unit 21cuts out a rectangular shape of a size (L2, H2) at a position (x2, y2).The puzzle generation unit 21 then acquires a partial image 71 andobjects 72 and 73 in FIG. 7. The puzzle generation unit 21 alsogenerates an object identifier “01” identifying the partial image 71,and an object identifier “02” identifying the partial image 72. Thepuzzle generation unit 21 generates the object identifiers by using thegeneration rule “O”+numeral.

The puzzle generation unit 21 also acquires two items of blank areainformation, “Blank area identifier: N1, blank area positioninformation: (x1, y1) (x1+L1, y1+H1) and “Blank area identifier: N2,blank area position information: (x2, y2) (x2+L2, y2+H2).” The puzzlegeneration unit 21 generates the blank area identifiers by using thegeneration rule “N”+numeral.

Next, the puzzle generation unit 21 collects the partial image 71 ofFIG. 7 into the partial image storage unit 11, collects the objects 72and 73 and the object identifiers into the object storage unit 13, andcollects the aforementioned two items of blank area information into theblank area storage unit 12.

The puzzle generation unit 21 also collects the two sets of actioninformation “blank area identifier ‘N1,’ executable information‘ABC.exe’” and “blank area identifier ‘N2,’ executable information‘XYZ.exe’” into the blank area storage unit 14.

Through the above process, puzzle information is generatedautomatically. In Specific Example 1, it would of course be acceptableto cut out objects of any shape. Also, it would of course be acceptableto cut out any number of objects in Specific Example 1.

Specific Example 2

Specific Example 2 describes a process for executing an action in caseswhere objects have been arranged in two blank areas.

Let it be assumed that the process of Specific Example 1 has beencompleted, that is, that 71 of FIG. 7 is currently stored in the partialimage storage unit 11. Two items of blank area information, “Blank areaidentifier: N1, blank area position information: (x1, y1) (x1+L1, y1+H1)and “Blank area identifier: N2, blank area position information: (x2,y2) (x2+L2, y2+H2)” are currently stored in the blank area storage unit12. The object 72 and the object identifier for 72, and the object 73and the object identifier for 73, are stored in the object storage unit13. Further, the two sets of action information “blank area identifier‘N1,’ executable information ‘ABC.exe’” and “blank area identifier ‘N2,’executable information ‘XYZ.exe’” are collected in the blank areastorage unit 14.

Assume that, under these circumstances, a user of the informationprocessing device 1 has input a generate puzzle command to theinformation processing device 1. Thereupon, the receiving unit 16receives the generate puzzle command.

The output unit 17 then reads out the partial image 71 from the partialimage storage unit 11. The output unit 17 reads out the objects 72 and73 from the object storage unit 13. Then, the output unit 17 outputs thepartial image 71 and the objects 72 and 73 as shown in FIG. 8.

Next, the user pins the object 72 under a finger and drags it, moving[the object] to a blank area N1. That is, the user inputs a move commandto move the object 72 into the blank area N1. Thereupon, the receivingunit 16 receives the move command.

Then, in response to the move command received by the receiving unit 16,the mover unit 18 acquires position information of the object targetedto be moved. The mover unit 18 detects that there has been no change inthe position information of the object 72 for a duration exceeding athreshold value, and decides that moving of the object 72 is finished.

Next, the decision unit 19 acquires position information (x₀₇₁, y₀₇₁)indicating the current position of the object 71. The decision unit 19then acquires the blank area position information “(x1, y1) (x1+L1,y1+H1)” for the blank area N1 from the blank area storage unit 12. Here,(x₀₇₁, y₀₇₁) denote the coordinates of the centroid of the object 72,for example.

Next, using the position information (x₀₇₁, y₀₇₁) and the positioninformation (x₀₇₁, y₀₇₁) in the area indicated by the blank areaposition information “(x1, y1) (x1+L1, y1+H1),” the decision unit 19decides that the position indicated by the position information (x₀₇₁,y₀₇₁) for the object 72 targeted to be moved lies within the blank area.In this instance, being in a predetermined positional relationshiprefers to a situation in which the position indicated by the positioninformation of the object 72 is within the blank area. Next, thedecision unit 19 assigns information to the effect that the conditionwas met, to a “decision result” variable.

Next, the execution unit 20 acquires the executable information“ABC.exe” that is paired with the blank area identifier “N1.” Theexecution unit 20 then executes “ABC.exe.”

Next, let it be assumed that in like fashion the user has pinned theobject 73 under a finger and dragged it, moving [the object] to a blankarea N2. That is, the user has input a move command to move the object73 into the blank area N2. Thereupon, the receiving unit 16 receives themove command.

A process analogous to that in the case of the object 72 is then carriedout. The execution unit 20 then acquires the executable information“XYZ.exe” that is paired with the blank area identifier “N2.” Theexecution unit 20 then executes “XYZ.exe.”

In Specific Example 2, in cases where objects have been arranged in eachof two blank areas, actions in accordance with the blank areas areexecuted. However, it would also be acceptable for the decision unit 19to decide that the condition has been met in the event that prescribedobjects have been arranged in all of two or more blank areas, and forthe execution unit to then execute a single action. For example, in FIG.9, an advertisement for a travel company has been cut out at threelocations. The information processing device 1 displays a partial image91, objects 92-94, and blank areas 95-97. Preferably, when in thisstate, the decision unit 19 has detected that a user has dragged theobject 92 with a finger and arranged it in the blank area 95, draggedthe object 93 with a finger and arranged it in the blank area 96, anddragged the object 94 with a finger and arranged it in the blank area97, the execution unit 20, using predetermined executable information,will execute a predetermined action.

Specific Example 3

Specific Example 3 describes a case in which two or more objects areable to be arranged in a single blank area, the action that executedbeing different depending on the object arranged therein.

It is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 10, the information processingdevice 1 outputs a puzzle information (a screen) that includes a partialimage 101, objects 102-104, and a blank area 105.

It is further assumed that the action information management table shownin FIG. 11 is stored in the action information storage unit 14. Threesets of action information are stored in the action informationmanagement table. Here, the action information includes [the items of]“ID,” “object identifier,” and “executable information.” The “executableinformation” includes “action identifiers” and “arguments.” The “ID” isinformation that identifies action information. The “object identifier”is the name of a function to be executed, and the “argument” isinformation presented to the function. The executable information “ID=1”in FIG. 11 presents arguments “message 1” and “add 1” to a function“sendmessage,” and signifies to execute the function “sendmessage.” Theexecutable information “ID=2” in FIG. 11 presents an argument “URL2” toa function “retrieve,” and signifies to execute the function “retrieve.”The executable information items “ID=2,” “ID=3” are functions foracquiring web pages having the URLs indicated by the arguments. Herein,“the action that is executed differs depending on the object arrangedtherein” is intended to also include cases in which information(arguments or the like) presented at the time of action differ.

Let it be assumed that, in this state, the user of the informationprocessing device 1 has pinned the object 103 under a finger and draggedit, moving [the object] to the blank area 105. That is, the user hasinput a move command to move the object 103 to the blank area 105.Thereupon, the receiving unit 16 receives the move command.

A process analogous to that described in Specific Example 2 is thencarried out. The decision unit 19 then assigns information to the effectthat the condition was met, to a “decision result” variable.

Next, the execution unit 20 acquires the object identifier “103.” Theexecution unit 20 then acquires from the action information managementtable shown in FIG. 11 the executable information “retrieve(URL2)” thatis paired with the object identifier “103.” The execution unit 20 thenexecutes “retrieve(URL2).” The web page of URL2 is then displayed by theinformation processing device 1.

Specific Example 4

Specific Example 4 describes a case in which a single object is able tobe arranged in a multiple blank areas, and different actions areexecuted depending on the blank area in which [the object] is arranged.

It is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 12, the information processingdevice 1 outputs a puzzle information (a screen) that includes a partialimage 121, an object 104, and blank areas 122, 123.

The action information management table shown in FIG. 13 is stored inthe action information storage unit 14. Two sets of action informationare stored in the action information management table. In this instance,the action information includes [the items of] “ID,” “blank areaidentifier,” and “executable information.”

Let it be assumed that, under these circumstances, the user of theinformation processing device 1 has pinned the object 104 under a fingerand dragged it, moving [the object] to the blank area 122. That is, theuser has input a move command to move the object 104 to the blank area122. Thereupon, the receiving unit 16 receives the move command.

A process analogous to that described in Specific Example 2 is thencarried out. The decision unit 19 then assigns information to the effectthat the condition was met, to a “decision result” variable.

Next, the execution unit 20 acquires the object identifier “103.” Theexecution unit 20 then acquires the blank area identifier “122” of theblank area in which the object identifier “104” has been arranged. Next,the execution unit 20 acquires from the action information managementtable shown in FIG. 13 the executable information “jump_nextpage” thatis paired with the blank area identifier “122” of the blank area. Theexecution unit 20 then executes “jump_nextpage.” Thereupon, the nextpage is displayed by the information processing device 1.

Specific Example 5

Specific Example 5 describes a case in which an action that is to beexecuted is decided from a combination of an object and blank area.

It is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 14, the information processingdevice 1 outputs a puzzle information (a screen) that includes a partialimage 141, objects 102-104, and blank areas 122, 123.

The action information management table shown in FIG. 15 is assumed tobe stored in the action information storage unit 14. Five sets of actioninformation are stored in the action information management table. Inthis instance, the action information includes [the items of] “ID,”“blank area identifier,” “object identifier,” and “executableinformation.”

Let it be assumed that, under these circumstances, the user of theinformation processing device 1 has pinned the object 102 under a fingerand dragged it, moving [the object] to the blank area 123. That is, theuser has input a move command to move the object 102 to the blank area123. Thereupon, the receiving unit 16 receives the move command.

A process analogous to that described in Specific Example 2 is thencarried out. The decision unit 19 then assigns information to the effectthat the condition was met, to a “decision result” variable.

Next, the execution unit 20 acquires the object identifier “102” and theblank area identifier “123.” Next, the execution unit 20 acquires fromthe action information management table shown in FIG. 15 the executableinformation “e4.exe” that is paired with the object identifier “102” andthe blank area identifier “123.” The execution unit 20 then executes“e4.exe.”

In Specific Example 5, no action is executed, even when the object ofthe object identifier “103” is arranged in the blank area of the blankarea identifier “123.” In this case, the execution unit 20 may output anerror message or the like, and alert the user of improper operation orthe like.

Specific Example 6

Specific Example 6 describes a case in which the decision unit 19 alsocarries out a route decision process.

It is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 16, the information processingdevice 1 outputs a puzzle information (a screen) that includes a partialimage 161, an object 71, and a blank area N1. The partial image 161 alsoincludes a route 162. A collection of two or more items of positioninformation representing the line of the route 162 is assumed to bestored in the route information storage unit 15. The positioninformation is usually coordinate information (x, y).

Let it be assumed that, under these circumstances, the user of theinformation processing device 1 has pinned the object 72 under a fingerand moved [the object] along the route 162 while dragging it so as tomove [the object] into the blank area N1. That is, the user has input amove command to move the object 72 along the route 162, i.e., a movecommand to move the object 72 to the blank area N1. Thereupon, thereceiving unit 16 receives the move command.

In response to the move command received by the receiving unit 16, themover unit 18 acquires position information of the object 72, andtemporarily collects the information into a buffer, not shown. Acollection of position information indicating the trajectory of motionof the object 72 is collected in the buffer.

Next, by a process analogous to the process described in SpecificExample 2, the decision unit 19 decides that the object 72 has beenarranged in the blank area N1. That is, using the blank area positioninformation corresponding to the blank area N1 and the positioninformation that was last acquired, the decision unit 19 decides thatthe position of the object 72 is in a predetermined positionalrelationship with respect to the blank area. The decision unit 19 thenacquires the blank area identifier “N1” and the object identifier “72”of the object targeted to be moved. Through the above, the arrangementdecision process is brought to completion.

Next, the decision unit 19 carries out a route decision process. Thatis, the decision unit 19 acquires route information corresponding to theblank area “N1” from the route information storage unit 15.

Next, the decision unit 19 acquires the collection of positioninformation from the buffer. A collection of position information refersto information indicating the trajectory of motion of the object 72.

Then, using the algorithm described in the flowchart of FIG. 4, thedecision unit 19 decides whether the object 72 has moved along the routeindicated by the route information. In this instance, the decision unit19 is assumed to have decided that the object 72 moved along the routeindicated by the route information. Through the above, the routedecision process is brought to completion.

The execution unit 20 then acquires executable information from theaction information management table. The execution unit 20 then executesthe action that corresponds to the executable information.

According to the present embodiment set forth above, a prescribed actioncan be executed through an enjoyable operation. Also, according to thepresent embodiment, puzzles for achieving enjoyable operation can begenerated automatically, and the load on the information processingdevice can be reduced.

Moreover, according to the present embodiment, a prescribed action canbe executed by carrying out an operation to move an object to a blankspace, and therefore, as compared with an interface in which aprescribed action is executed by pushing a button or the like, [thelikelihood of] an unauthorized action being executed throughunauthorized access by an external program or device can be prevented.

The processes in the present embodiment may be realized throughsoftware. The software may be distributed by means of software downloadsor the like. The software may also be recorded onto recording media suchas CD-ROM for dissemination. This pertains to the other embodiments inthe present Description as well. The software for realizing theinformation processing device of the present embodiment is a programsuch as the following. Specifically, in this program, a recording mediumaccessible by a computer is equipped with a blank area storage unit ableto store one or more items of blank area information that contains blankarea position information relating to the position of a blank area, andan object storage unit able to store one or more objects, the programbeing employed to prompt a computer to function as an output unit foroutputting one or more blank areas corresponding to one or more items ofblank area information, and the one or more objects; a receiving unitfor receiving a move command with respect to an object; a mover unitthat, in response to a move command received by the receiving unit,moves the object that corresponds to the move command; a decision unitthat decides whether the position of an object moved by the mover unitexists in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to ablank area; and an execution unit that, in cases where the decision unitdecides that the predetermined positional relationship exists, executesan action that corresponds to the blank area or moved object.

Preferably, in the aforementioned program, the recording medium isfurther equipped with an action information storage unit able to storeone or more items of action information which is information relating toan action corresponding to a blank area or an object, or to a blank areaand an object; and the program prompts a computer to function such that,in cases where the decision unit has decided that the predeterminedpositional relationship exists, the execution unit acquires from theaction information storage unit action information that corresponds tothe blank area or to the moved object, or to the blank area and themoved object, and using the action information, executes an action thatcorresponds to the blank area or to the moved object, or to the blankarea and the moved object.

Preferably, in the aforementioned program, the recording medium isfurther equipped with a route information storage unit able to storeroute information indicating a route over which an object is to bemoved; and the program prompts a computer to function such that thedecision unit additionally decides whether a movement route of an objectmoved by the mover unit satisfies a route indicated by the routeinformation, and in cases where the decision unit decides that a routeindicated by the route information is satisfied, and that apredetermined positional relationship exists, the execution unitexecutes an action that corresponds to the blank area or the movedobject.

Preferably, in the aforementioned program, the program prompts acomputer to function such that the output unit outputs a route in such away that a route indicated by route information is visuallyrecognizable.

Preferably, in the aforementioned program, the recording medium isfurther equipped with a partial image storage unit able to store partialimages which are images having one or more blank areas therein; and theprogram prompts a computer to function such that the shape of one ormore objects match the shape of any one or more of the blank areas, anda single full image is constituted by the partial image and one or moreof the objects arranged in any one or more of the blank areas.

Preferably, in the aforementioned program, the recording medium isfurther equipped with a full image storage unit able to store a singlefull image; and the program prompts a computer to further function as apuzzle generation unit that cuts out a part of the full image, andacquires puzzle information that includes one or more objects that arecut-out sections, a partial image from which one or more objects havebeen cut out, and blank area information containing information about ablank area which is a cut-out area.

Embodiment 2

The present embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that puzzleinformation is generated by a puzzle generation server.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of an information system in the presentembodiment. This information system is provided with a puzzle generationserver 3, and one or more information processing devices 4. The puzzlegeneration server 3 stores, for example, full images such asadvertisements, and generates puzzle information from the full images,which is transmitted to the information processing devices 4.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the information system of the presentembodiment. The puzzle generation server 3 is provided with a full imagestorage unit 10, a puzzle generation unit 21, and a puzzle transmissionunit 33.

Each of the information processing devices 4 is provided with a partialimage storage unit 11, a blank area storage unit 12, an object storageunit 13, an action information storage unit 14, a route informationstorage unit 15, a receiving unit 16, a puzzle receiving unit 41, apuzzle collection unit 42, an output unit 17, a mover unit 18, adecision unit 19, and an execution unit 20

The puzzle transmission unit 33 constituting the puzzle generationserver 3 transmits puzzle information acquired by the puzzle generationunit 21 to the information processing devices 4. Here, in response tothe puzzle generation server 3 having received a puzzle receptioncommand from one of the information processing devices 4, the puzzletransmission unit 33 will preferably transmit puzzle information thatincludes one or more objects and a partial image. Usually, the puzzletransmission unit 33 is realized through wireless or wired transmissionmeans, but realization through broadcasting means would also beacceptable.

The puzzle receiving unit 41 constituting the information processingdevice 4 receives puzzle information from the puzzle generation server3. The puzzle receiving unit 41 is usually realized through wireless orwired transmission means, but realization through means for receivingbroadcasts would also be acceptable.

The puzzle collection unit 42 collects one or more objects included inthe puzzle information received by the puzzle receiving unit 41 into theobject storage unit 13; collects partial images included in the puzzleinformation received by the puzzle receiving unit 41 into the into thepartial image storage unit 11; and collects blank area informationincluded in puzzle information received by the puzzle receiving unit 41into the into the blank area storage unit 12. The puzzle collecting unit42 may also collect action information contained in puzzle informationreceived by the puzzle receiving unit 41 into the into the actioninformation storage unit 14. The puzzle collection unit 42 may usuallybe realized through an MPU, memory, or the like. The processing routineof the puzzle collection unit 42 is usually realized through software,the software being recorded onto ROM or other such storage media.However, realization through hardware (dedicated circuitry) is alsoacceptable.

Next, the action of the information system shall be described. First,the action of the puzzle generation server 3 shall be described. Thepuzzle generation server 3 receives a puzzle generation command from theinformation processing device 4. Thereupon, the puzzle generation unit21 reads out a full image from the full image storage unit 10, andgenerates puzzle information by the process described in Embodiment 1.The puzzle transmission unit 33 then transmits the generated puzzleinformation to the information processing device 4 that transmitted thepuzzle generation command.

Next, the action of the information processing device 4 shall bedescribed. When the receiving unit 16 of the information processingdevice 4 receives a generate puzzle command, transmission means, notillustrated, transmits the generate puzzle command to the puzzlegeneration server 3. Next, in response to transmission of the generatepuzzle command, the puzzle receiving unit 41 receives puzzle informationfrom the puzzle generation server 3. Next, the puzzle collection unit 42collects one or more objects included in the puzzle information receivedby the puzzle receiving unit 41 into the object storage unit 13,collects partial images included in the puzzle information received bythe puzzle receiving unit 41 into the into the partial image storageunit 11, and collects blank area information included in puzzleinformation received by the puzzle receiving unit 41 into the into theblank area storage unit 12.

The process of the information processing device 4, by which aprescribed action is executed by moving an object to a blank area, isthe same as the process of the information processing device 1, andtherefore description is omitted.

According to the present embodiment, puzzle information can be generatedfrom a full image such as an advertisement, for example, and it ispossible to provide the information processing device 4 with anapplication that employs the puzzle information.

The processes in the present embodiment may be realized throughsoftware. The software may be distributed by means of a softwaredownload or the like. The software may also be recorded onto recordingmedia such as CD-ROM for dissemination. This pertains to the otherembodiments in the present Description as well. The software forrealizing the puzzle generation server 3 of the present embodiment is aprogram such as the following. Specifically, in this program, arecording medium is equipped with a full image storage unit able tostore single full images, and the program prompts a computer to functionas puzzle information generation unit that cuts out a part of the fullimage, and acquires puzzle information including one or more objectswhich are cut-out sections, a partial image from which one or moreobjects have been cut out, and blank area information containinginformation about a blank area which is a cut-out area, and as a puzzletransmission unit that transmits the puzzle information acquired by thepuzzle information generation unit.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a system 1000 for executing the programset forth in the present Description, and realizing the informationprocessing devices of the various embodiments shown above.

In FIG. 19, the system 1000 includes an MPU 1001, a flash ROM 1002, aRAM 1003, a display 1004, and a bus 1005. The bus 1005 is connectedinter alia to the MPU 1001 and the flash ROM 1002. The flash ROM 1002stores programs such as a boot-up program and the like. The RAM 1003 isconnected to the MPU 1001, temporarily stores application programcommands, and provides a temporary storage space. While not illustratedhere, the information processing device 1000 may further include anetwork card that provides a connection to a LAN.

A program for prompting the system 1000 to execute the functions of theinformation processing device of the embodiment set forth above may bestored in the flash ROM 1002.

The program need not necessarily include an operating system or thirdparty program for prompting the system 1000 to execute the functions ofthe information processing device of the embodiment set forth above. Theprogram may include only parts of commands needed to call theappropriate functions (modules) in a controlled mode, so as to obtainthe desired result. The manner of action of the system 1000 is widelyknown, and a detailed description is omitted.

In steps for transmitting information, and steps for receivinginformation, processes that are carried out by hardware, for example,processes carried out by a modem, interface card, or the like intransmission steps (processes carried out exclusively by hardware) arenot included in the aforementioned program.

The computer that executes the program may be a single machine, ormultiple machines. That is, both centralized processing and distributedprocessing are acceptable.

In the aforedescribed embodiments, two or more communication meansexisting in a single device may be realized through a single physicalmedium.

In the aforedescribed embodiments, the processes (functions) may berealized through centralized processing by a single device (system), orrealized through distributed processing by multiple devices.

Whereas the information processing devices according to the variousembodiments above have been described in the context of theconfigurations shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 18, the presentinvention includes modes wherein the configurations disclosed in thedrawings are provided at least in part to a server device that isconnected in communication enabled fashion to the information processingdevice via a communication circuit (including a wireless communicationcircuit or wired communication circuit), rather than being provided tothe information processing device, or in addition to being provided tothe information processing device. Therefore, according to the presentinvention, a communication terminal device, for example, a mobiletelephone or the like, can execute the various actions (such as displayon a screen or the like) shown by way of example in the presentDescription, by receiving web pages from a server device through theinternet, a wireless communication circuit, or the like). In this case,the communication terminal device and the server device may each includeat least some of the constituent elements disclosed in FIGS. 1 through18 (including all of the elements). It should be noted that, in thissense, the “information processing device” disclosed in the appendedclaims includes not only the mobile telephones, tablet terminals,smartphones, and personal computers mentioned previously, but broadlyincludes server devices as well.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinabove;various modifications are possible within the scope of the presentinvention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the various embodiments of the present invention shownherein, a prescribed action can be executed through an enjoyableoperation, [a feature that] is useful in smartphones and the like.

The present application is based upon and claims priority from priorJapanese Patent Application No. 2013-141307, filed with the Japan PatentOffice on Jul. 5, 2013, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1, 4 . . . Information processing device-   3 . . . Puzzle generation server-   10 . . . Full image storage unit-   11 . . . Partial image storage unit-   12 . . . Blank area storage unit-   13 . . . Object storage unit-   14 . . . Action information storage unit-   15 . . . Route information storage unit-   16 . . . Receiving unit-   17 . . . Output unit-   18 . . . Mover unit-   19 . . . Decision unit-   20 . . . Execution unit-   21 . . . Puzzle generation unit-   33 . . . Puzzle transmission unit-   41 . . . Puzzle reception unit-   42 . . . Puzzle collection unit

1-12. (canceled)
 13. An information processing device configured toreceive a web page from a server device through the internet comprising:an output unit for obtaining from the web page and displaying on adisplay device one or more blank areas corresponding to one or moreitems of blank area information, and one or more objects including afirst object; a receiving unit for receiving a move command with respectto the first object from a user when the one or more blank areas, theone or more objects, and a partial image are displayed on the displaydevice in a state that a browser is able to receive another web page,wherein: each of the one or more objects is an image cut out from a fullimage, each of the one or more objects having a respective one of theblank areas as a region in the full image from which the each object hasbeen cut out, a circumference of the region being surrounded by a fullline or a dotted line, a first blank area being the respective blankarea of the first object, and the partial image is an image left bycutting out the one or more objects from the full image; a mover unitthat, in response to the move command received by the receiving unit,moves the first object; and an execution unit for, in cases that aposition of the first object moved by the mover unit exists in apredetermined positional relationship with respect to the first blankarea as determined based on first coordinates of the first object andsecond coordinates indicated by the items of blank area informationcorresponding to the first blank area, executing a first action thatcorresponds to the first blank area or to the first object, wherein thesecond coordinates, associated with the first blank area, are modifiedwhen a predetermined condition has been met.
 14. The informationprocessing device according to claim 13, wherein the executing the firstaction is based on action information that corresponds to at least oneof the first blank area or the moved first object.
 15. The informationprocessing device according to claim 13, wherein a shape of the one ormore objects matches a shape of any of the one or more blank areas, anda single full image is constituted by the one or more objects arrangedin the one or more blank areas, and the partial image, which is an imagecontaining the one or more blank areas therein.
 16. The informationprocessing device according to claim 15, wherein the single full imageis an advertisement.
 17. The information processing device according toclaim 13, further comprising: a full image storage unit for storing asingle full image; and a puzzle generation unit for cutting out a partof the full image, and for acquiring puzzle information.
 18. Theinformation processing device according to claim 13, further comprising:a full image storage unit for storing a single full image; a puzzlegeneration unit for cutting out a part of the full image, and foracquiring puzzle information; a puzzle receiving unit for receiving thepuzzle information from a puzzle generation server equipped with apuzzle transmission unit for transmitting the puzzle informationacquired by the puzzle generation unit; and a puzzle collection unit forcollecting in an object storage unit the one or more objects, which areincluded in the puzzle information received by the puzzle receivingunit, for collecting in a partial image storage unit one or more partialimages, including the partial image, that are included in the puzzleinformation received by the puzzle receiving unit, and collecting in ablank area storage unit the items of blank area information, which areincluded in the puzzle information received by the puzzle receivingunit.
 19. The information processing device according to claim 13,wherein the one or more blank areas comprise at least two blank areas;the first object is arrangeable in two or more of the blank areasincluding the first blank area and a second blank area; and the firstaction is different for the first object moved to the first blank areaor to the second blank area.
 20. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the one or more objects comprise at leastthe first object and a second object which are arrangeable in the firstblank area; and the first action is different for a first case in whichthe first object is moved to the first blank area than for a second casein which the second object is moved to the first blank area.
 21. Theinformation processing device according to claim 13, wherein the one ormore objects comprise at least the first object and a second objectwhich are arrangeable in the first blank area; and the first action isdifferent for a first case in which the first object is moved to thefirst blank area than for a second case in which the second object ismoved to the first blank area.
 22. An information processing methodincluding: a step (a) for an information processing device, comprisingobtaining from a web page and displaying on a display device one or moreblank areas corresponding to one or more items of blank areainformation, and one or more objects including a first object, whereinthe information processing device is configured to receive the web pagefrom a server device through the internet; a step (b) for theinformation processing device, comprising receiving a move command withrespect to the first object from a user when the one or more blankareas, the one or more objects, and a partial image are displayed on thedisplay device in a state that a browser is able to receive another webpage, wherein: each of the one or more objects is an image cut out froma full image, each of the one or more objects having a respective one ofthe blank areas as a region in the full image from which the each objecthas been cut out, a first blank area being the respective blank area ofthe first object, and the partial image is an image left by cutting outthe one or more objects from the full image; a step (c) for theinformation processing device, comprising moving the first object inresponse to the received move command; and a step (d) for executing anaction corresponding to the first blank area or the moved first object,in cases that the position of the moved first object exists in apredetermined positional relationship with respect to the first blankarea as determined on the basis of first coordinates of the moved firstobject and second coordinates indicated by the items of blank areainformation corresponding to the first blank area, wherein the secondcoordinates are modified when a predetermined condition has been met.23. The information processing method of claim 22, wherein the one ormore blank areas comprise at least two blank areas; the first object isarrangeable in two or more of the blank areas including the first blankarea and a second blank area; and the first action is different for thefirst object moved to the first blank area or the second blank area. 24.Non-transitory computer readable media storing program instructionswhich, when executed by an information processing device configured toreceive a web page from a server device through the internet, cause theinformation processing device to function as: an output unit forobtaining from the web page and displaying on a display device one ormore blank areas corresponding to one or more items of blank areainformation, and one or more objects including a first object; areceiving unit for receiving a move command with respect to the firstobject from a user when the one or more blank areas, the one or moreobjects, and a partial image are displayed on the display device in astate that a browser is able to receive another web page, wherein: eachof the one or more objects is an image cut out from a full image, eachof the one or more objects having a respective one of the blank areas asa region in the full image from which the each object has been cut out,a first blank area being the respective blank area of the first object,and the partial image is an image left by cutting out the one or moreobjects from the full image; a mover unit for moving the first object inresponse to the move command received by the receiving unit; and anexecution unit for, in cases that the position of the first object movedby the mover unit exists in a predetermined positional relationship withrespect to the first blank area, the positional relationship beingdetermined on the basis of first coordinates of the first object andsecond coordinates indicated by the blank area information correspondingto the first blank area, executing a first action that corresponds tothe first blank area or to the first object, wherein the secondcoordinates are modified when a predetermined condition has been met.25. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 24, wherein theblank areas are greater in number than the objects.
 26. Thenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 24, wherein the outputunit is further configured to display on the display device one or moredummy objects which have not been cut out from the full image.
 27. Thenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 24, wherein the one ormore blank areas comprise at least two blank areas; the first object isarrangeable in two or more of the blank areas including the first blankarea and a second blank area; and the first action is different for thefirst object moved to the first blank area or to the second blank area.